Arsenal open talks with agent of £23m-rated Brazilian starlet

According to a report in the Express, Arsenal have opened talks with the representatives of Sao Paulo midfielder Marquinhos Cipriano about a potential move to the Emirates this summer.

Marquinhos was born in Catanduva – a small town just outside of Sao Paulo – and has developed in to one of Brazil’s hottest young talents since joining Sao Paulo in September 2015.

The 17-year-old has averaged more than a goal a game so far after scoring 14 goals in just 12 appearances for the Sao Paulo Under-17 team and coaches at the club feel he has what it takes to break in to the first team in the near future.

It looks like Marquinhos’ potential has caught the attention of some of Europe’s most powerful clubs as the Express are citing a report coming from ESPN Brazil that claims Arsenal have made contact with the players agent to discuss a potential move to North London.

Arsene Wenger is always on the look-out for the best young talent in the world so it’s no surprise to hear he’s hot on the trail of Marquinhos, but any deal isn’t going to be easy to pull off.

Firstly, the Express claim that Sao Paulo are determined to keep hold of the teenager and will refuse to sell for anything below his buyout fee – which is set at an eye-watering £23m.

I think there is virtually no chance Wenger will spend that kind of money on a 17-year-old who’s not even made a single appearance for a senior team yet so Sao Paulo are going to have to lower their demands considerably.

However, even if we do manage to secure a deal, we aren’t the only club in the running as the report suggests that Italian champions Juventus have also been in touch with the midfielders representatives about a move to Serie A.